Guardian Shield has defeated evildoers, but rising rent has become his Kryptonite, forcing the Beaverton superhero to find more affordable digs in another county.

He’ll be leaving his Beaverton/Aloha patrols behind him in December and moving to Marion County where he plans to find other neighborhoods in need of his services.

“I was fortunate enough to find a little bit bigger place for a better price,” he said.

Rent at his complex increased this year from $980 to $1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment, he said.

Guardian Shield, who asked that the name of his mild-mannered alter ego not be made public for his safety, is considering Clackamas County for his future patrols, specifically Oregon City, Canby and the Wilsonville area.

Guardian Shield, 34, is a quirky version of neighborhood watch. Dressed from head to toe in red Lycra wearing a black mask over his eyes and carrying a black shield with the letters GS on it, he has become quite popular.

While riding a MAX train to a television station interview, he said people went out of their way to greet him.

“People who weren’t even riding the MAX would run onto it really quick (at a stop) and shake my hand and run off again. It happened to me a couple of times,” he said.

Fewer “people are scared of me, which is good,” he added.

If only fame paid. Guardian Shield is between jobs right now.

“What do you do when you can’t find a job? Go back to college,” he said. He plans to major in business.

As for protecting Beaverton and other areas, “I will do my best, but if you feel that your neighborhood needs a superhero, look in the mirror.”